Page 51 of Claim of Blood
And yet whenever their eyes met, Leo felt a subtle pull. Not the gravitational force he experienced with Adam, but a faint echo—like a whisper to Adam’s shout. Still there. Still undeniable.
The kitchen staff served him a hearty breakfast that he devoured gratefully, realizing how little he’d eaten the day before. Lander sipped coffee across from him, maintaining a polite distance.
“I’d like to see the grounds today,” Leo said between bites. “Properly.”
Lander nodded. “Of course.”
They stepped outside into the late morning sunlight. Leo tilted his face up, savoring the warmth.
“The estate covers nearly ten acres,” Lander said as they walked. “The main house sits at the front, with gardens and woods behind it.”
They paused at the pool, shaded by a sophisticated pergola system. Sunlight filtered through slatted panels onto the water, the space gleaming in soft blue.
“Designed for daytime use,” Lander explained. “The shading allows vampires to enjoy the pool without the irritation caused by direct sun. Those who tolerate more exposure can swim comfortably.”
Beyond the pool, the gardens stretched in immaculate rows, blending formal design with an organic feel. Leo trailed a hand along a hedge, feeling the warmth of the leaves under his palm.
“The night garden,” Lander said, guiding him to a bed of white flowers and silver foliage. “Evening primrose, moonflower, night-blooming jasmine. During the full moon, it’s spectacular.”
Leo touched a pale blossom. “It’s beautiful.”
They continued, Lander pointing out features of the grounds while maintaining that same careful distance. At the paddock fence, Leo stopped to watch several horses grazing in the morning haze.
“Are those yours?”
“Not specifically. They belong to the Innsbrook community stables. About fifty head. Residents can arrange riding time, lessons. Adam rides frequently.”
Leo moved to duck under the fence, but Lander’s hand caught his arm. The touch sent a current up his spine, and from the quick withdrawal, Lander felt it too.
“The stables are beyond the security perimeter,” he said. “Another time.”
Leo nodded, disappointed but understanding.
“So I’m basically trapped here?” he asked, unable to keep the edge from his voice. “Can I leave at all?”
Lander hesitated. “It would be inadvisable for now. The situation with your family’s departure has... complicated things.”
Not a no, Leo noted. Just a carefully worded caution.
“What about the Court itself?” he asked, remembering the underground halls. “Can I see that?”
“Yes,” Lander said, almost relieved. “That would be fine.”
As they headed back to the house, Leo spotted Maja watching from an upstairs window. She didn’t bother to hide her scrutiny, her ice-blue gaze unblinking.
“She doesn’t like me,” Leo observed.
“Maja is...” Lander searched for the right phrasing. “Protective. Of Adam. Of the Court.”
“Because I’m a hunter.”
“Because you’re a complication.”
Leo didn’t respond as they reached the doors, her gaze still tracking them as they disappeared inside.
Lander led him to the grand entrance of the underground Court. As they stepped into the wide hall, Leo felt tension unwind from his shoulders despite himself. It was windowless,but clever lighting and warm colors kept the space from feeling oppressive.
“The Court was expanded in the 1970s,” Lander said, “though parts date back to the original foundations.”
